La Bodega Lands (for Reals) in Pioneer Square

Chef Manu Alfau finds a home for his Dominican-style sandwich shop.

After his original space fell through last fall, Manu Alfau continued his hunt for a Pioneer Square storefront for his Dominican sandwich shop, La Bodega. Nine months later he’s locked, loaded, signed, and ready to begin buildout…on the very space that didn’t work out initially.

Look for La Bodega to open this fall at 100 Prefontaine Pl S, basically at Third and Yesler across from City Hall Park. After a lengthy hunt around the neighborhood, Alfau says the he and the owner were able to meet once again and negotiate their way to an agreement.

La Bodega will be open 11 to 7, serving pasteles, empanadas, and sandwiches like his signature puerco asado con repollo, stuffed with marinated, roasted pork shoulder (aka pernil) and pickled cabbage, mayo, and cilantro. Look for other offerings inspired by Alfau’s childhood in the Dominican Republic, and a takeout-friendly setup. This should give you an idea of what might be on the menu.

Alfau is traveling in Canada right now, so for the sake of his cell phone bill, we’ll report more details once he’s stateside. He's also making regular appearances at Montana's Sunday night barbecues for the remainder of the summer.